Drywall Crack Repair

Drywall cracks can occur anytime and due to various reasons. A hit while moving the furniture or extreme weather conditions can lead to cracks, naughty kids might just bang a toy or an object leading to cracks. Nail screws can also loosen the compound leading to formation of cracks. Cracks around door and window frames are much common. If you have a drywall with small or large cracks then here are some tips on repairing drywall cracks for you. Drywall crack repair is not a difficult task, all you need is to work carefully and with patience. Let's proceed.

How to Repair Drywall Cracks: Small Cracks

Any small object can cause cracks in the drywall. So drywall crack repair procedure for these small cracks is easy. It is good to repair them on time and maintain the look of the wall.

Material Required

• Sandpaper
• Premixed drywall compound
• 3" Spreader
• Primer
• Paint

Procedure

1. Start with a coarse sandpaper. Sand the cracked part and some area around it thoroughly. Sanding will remove the compound that has come out, on border of the cracks and form a right base for use of joint compound.
2. Now you need a good grade premixed joint compound and a 3" spreader. Fill up the crack with joint compound using the spreader. Hold the spreader flat on the surface and press it firmly on the wall. Make sure you have packed the crack and made the surface even. Let the compound dry for about 8-10 hours.
3. Now, sand the surface to remove any high spots and to get a even surface. Finish by applying a coat of primer followed by a coat of touch up paint. If required you can use a fine sandpaper to rub off any uneven spots.

To repair hairline cracks in drywall you can also opt for a fresh tube of printable silicone caulking to fill the cracks.

How to Repair Drywall Cracks: Large Cracks

Often an unrepaired hairline crack develops into a large crack. If there are large cracks in your drywall, repairing them becomes really essential. These are easily visible and need to be cleanly worked on to have a perfect finish.

Material Required

• Fine-grit sandpaper
• 4-inch Taping knife
• 10-12 inch Taping knife
• Premixed drywall compound
• Plastic mud pan
• Drywall tape
• Primer
• Paint

Procedure

1. Start by using a 4 inch taping knife. Scrape the edges of the crack to remove the loose compound. If the crack is a bit wide, insert the knife inside and remove the loose compound.
2. Now put the premixed joint compound in the mud pan. Take it on the same 4 inch knife and fill in the crack.
3. Now you need the tape. If the crack is curvy, cut the tape in small pieces before using it. Now lay it over the crack and push it onto the compound using the knife. Now scrape the tape to remove excess compound around.
4. Again apply a thin coat of compound using a 4-inch knife and let it dry overnight.
5. Now with the 12 inch knife, again apply a coat. Let it dry completely
6. Apply a coat of primer and let it dry. Finish by applying a touch up paint using a roller.

The aforementioned procedures of drywall crack repair will help you have a plain drywall. Make sure you wait for some time to let the compound dry well as mentioned. Filling up the cracks as they appear will help you maintain the classic appearance of the wall.